Departure and Arrivals

What to Expect at the Airport (Australia → Japan)

This guide walks you through what to expect at both departure from Australia and arrival in Japan, with practical tips to help everything run smoothly.

If you’ve travelled internationally before and feel confident with Australian airport procedures, feel free to skip ahead to Arrivals in Japan, where the process differs slightly.

Departures (From Australia)

When to Arrive at the Airport

For international flights, it’s generally recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure.

If you are:

• Travelling with young children

• Travelling with elderly family members

• Less familiar with airport procedures

…it’s wise to allow extra time, as children cannot use many of the automated fast-track systems.

Always check your airline’s recommendations before departure, as some airports or flights may require additional time due to staffing levels or peak travel periods.

Online Check-in

Online check-in usually opens 24 hours before departure.

To check in online, you’ll need:

• Passport details

• Full names and dates of birth for all passengers

Have everyone’s details on hand before starting.
If you prefer, you can still check in in person at the airport.

In-person check-in & Baggage

Even if you’ve completed online check-in, international flights still require an in-person baggage drop.

At the counter:

• Have passports and boarding passes ready

• Ensure all passengers are present, including children

• All items (carry-on and checked) must be presented for clearance

If you haven’t checked in online, staff will complete this for you at the counter.

Security & Border Controls

Security procedures vary slightly by airport, but typically you will be asked to:

• Remove laptops, tablets, and large electronics

• Remove liquids and aerosols from your carry-on

• Remove jackets, belts, and sometimes shoes (especially boots or high-tops)

Follow staff instructions closely — they’re there to help keep things moving smoothly.

Boarding

Boarding usually begins 20–50 minutes before departure, and gates typically close around 15 minutes before take-off.

Important tips:

• Don’t leave gate arrival too late — duty-free, cafés, and shops are easy distractions

• Gate numbers can change — keep an eye on airport screens

• Your gate will be printed on your boarding pass, but always double-check

Arrivals in Japan

Having your documents prepared before landing will make arrival much faster and less stressful.

Entry Forms: Two Options

• Option 1: Visit Japan Web

  Visit Japan Web is the recommended and fastest option.

  Using this system allows you to:

  • Pre-register immigration details

  • Complete customs declarations

  • Replace paper arrival and customs cards

  Once completed, the system generates a single QR code per person to be used at immigration and customs terminals.

  Important tips:

  • Take screenshots of your QR codes

  • Or print them out

  • You may not have internet access immediately after landing

  • Children, regardless of age, will require their own QR code

• Option 2: Paper Forms

  Paper forms are still accepted.

  • Immigration (disembarkation) and customs forms are often handed out on the plane

  • If not, they are available at immigration counters

  Tip:
  Carry a pen in your carry-on to complete forms before landing.

  You’ll need your first accommodation details, including:

  • Hotel name

  • Address

  • Phone number

  Have this information accessible offline.

Disembarking

After leaving the aircraft, follow signs marked “Arrivals”.

Airport signage in Japan is clear and bilingual (Japanese & English).

Immigration

• Staff will direct you to the appropriate line

• Families with young children, elderly travellers, or travellers with disabilities are usually guided to priority (fast) lanes

You will:

• Present your passport & get fingerprinted

• Scan your Visit Japan Web QR code or submit your paper form

• Answer basic questions about your stay

After approval, you’ll receive a Temporary Visitor stamp (or visa, if applicable).

⚠️ Important:
Photography is not permitted in immigration areas, so translation apps using camera mode cannot be used.
If you need help, ask staff — most airport personnel speak English.

Baggage Claim

Screens list:

• Flight numbers

• Corresponding baggage carousel numbers

Proceed to your carousel and collect your luggage.

Oversized items (strollers, sports gear) are usually collected from a separate oversized baggage area nearby.

Customs

• Using Visit Japan Web

Electronic declaration terminals are located before the customs exit.

You’ll:

• Place your passport and QR code on the scanner

• Have your identity verified

• Be directed either to:

  • The e-Gate, or

  • A customs inspection desk (depending on declarations)

• Using Paper Forms

• Green channel: Nothing to declare

• Red channel: Goods to declare or restricted items

Follow signage and staff instructions.

Before you leave the airport

Get your SUICA or PASMO IC Cards

IC cards allow easy tap-on/tap-off travel on trains and buses.

They are available at:

• JR East Travel Service Centers

• Ticket machines displaying the IC card logo

Availability has stabilised, and Mobile Suica / PASMO (Apple Wallet) is also a reliable option.

👉 Refer to our IC Card guide for detailed instructions and options.

SIM cards, eSIMS or Pocket Wifi

If you’re not using Australian data roaming, you’ll need an alternative.

• SIM Cards / eSIMs (Recommended)

• Available online or at the airport

• Airport staff can assist with setup

• Most tourist SIMs are data-only, which is usually sufficient with messaging and calling apps

• Pocket Wi-Fi

• Useful for large groups staying together

• Allows multiple devices to connect

However:

• Battery can drain quickly

• If your group splits up, not everyone will have internet access

For most travellers, individual SIMs or eSIMs are more reliable and flexible.